Season and Annual Pass Guide

If you’re interested in making multiple trips to Universal Studios Hollywood within a year, you’ll probably want a season or annual pass. Universal recently made a number of changes to its annual pass program, which operates somewhat differently than other parks you might be familiar with.

What’s not included

Value Check: is it worth it?

Essentially the silver pass only offers admission to the park for more than 250 days with no perks.

Gold Annual Pass – $339 ($329 online)

This is Universal’s third pass option with few blackout dates (23 fewer than the Platinum pass, and 46 fewer than the Silver pass). This pass is available to anyone. Note you can save $10 by purchasing online rather versus upgrading in-park. A full blackout calendar can be found here.

What’s included

Twelve months of admission from first use, with 342 available admission dates; plus, a “first visit” date of your choice.

What’s not included

Park admission on weekends in July, high peak days, and December 31 “EVE” event.

Value Check: is it worth it?

The addition of parking is welcome, removing the need to pay $25 for every visit before you even set foot in the park. With the 15% discount on food and merchandise (same discount rate as the Platinum pass), Universal Studios Hollywood fans/locals might find this option to be the most ideal.

Platinum Annual Pass – $639 ($629 online)

This is Universal’s top ticket option with no blackout dates. This pass is available to anyone. Note you can save $10 by purchasing online rather versus upgrading in-park. The Platinum Pass is the only one to offer one time Universal Express access to all attractions per visit, one free night to Halloween Horror Nights, and NOW free admission to New Year’s “EVE” event.

What’s included

Twelve months of admission from first use, with 365 available admission dates; plus, a “first visit” date of your choice.

104 weekend dates.

Early park admission

Free parking before 6pm

NEW BENEFIT: Free access to New Year’s “EVE” event on December 31.

15% off food, beverage and merchandise purchased inside the park.

One time Universal Express access to all attractions per visit. Universal Express is not valid during Halloween Horror Nights or at any special event.

What’s not included

Nothing!

Value Check: is it worth it?

For a premium, top-tier ticket option, the Platinum Annual Pass is the ultimate pass for uber fans of USH. The benefit of one time front of the line access to all attractions every visit is ideal when visiting the theme park on the busiest days of the year. The platinum pass is loaded with one free ticket to Halloween Horror Nights, saving you close to $90.

Frequently Asked Questions about Season/Annual Passes

Is there a pass with zero blackout dates?

Yes! The platinum pass has zero blackout dates.

Is there a pass that includes parking?

Yes! The gold and platinum pass includes parking, with a before 6pm arrival restriction. Please present picture ID at the parking booths.

How do I get my 15% discount in the park?

First, bear in mind that only the Gold and Platinum passes entitle you to the 15% discount. Simply present your Annual Pass ticket to the cashier at checkout, and they’ll apply your discount. Keep in mind the discount does not apply to certain specialty merchandise items (DVDs, collectibles, and merchandise from the Feature Presentation shop) or alcoholic beverages.

What’s “first day visit” mean?

This part is admittedly confusing. “First day visit” means you can enter the park on the day you purchase your annual pass,regardless of any blackout date.You could, in theory, purchase a pass on July 4th and enter the park despite the blackout date. Keep in mind that this only applies on the day you purchase your pass. If you purchase your ticket online on July 3rd, your “first day visit” only lets you bypass the blackout date on July 3rd – you can’t show up the next day and expect entry, so be mindful when purchasing! Your valid “first visit” date will be clearly marked on your ticket.

Where can I upgrade my annual pass inside the park?

You can upgrade your pass or one day ticket at the Universal Box Office inside of the theme park, or at any ticket booth. You will be paying the difference from what you paid for originally to the one you want to upgrade to.

Please note that if you like to upgrade to an annual pass, the option of purchasing with FlexPay is not available in-park.

Can I upgrade to a Universal Express or the VIP Experience for a one day visit?

Yes you can! You can upgrade at the Guest Services window located to the very right side of the turnstiles. Prices will fluctuate depending which day you visit.

Is my annual pass transferable?

No. All passes are tied to the individual who purchased them and are not transferrable.

I lost my annual pass!

No worries! Head to Guest Services outside the park’s main gates, and they’ll work with you to confirm your identity and print a new pass. Your first reprint is free, and each subsequent reprint is $10.

Which Citywalk locations participate in the 10%/20% annual pass discount?